6 Diseases That Can Lead to Hair Loss and What Can You Do to Prevent Them?

If there is one thing that can drastically alter the way we look, it is our hair. A thick mane is considered to be the yardstick of good looks and beauty for both men and women, and the lack of it can affect a lot of people psychologically.

There are a number of factors that lead to hair loss or Alopecia and these include several diseases. Some of them may lead to Telogen Effluvium or temporary hair loss, while other may have permanent results. Let’s take a look at some of the diseases that are known to cause hair loss and what are the measures that you can take in order to prevent them.

1. Diabetes – When we think diabetes, the immediate preventive measure that we think of is – reducing the sugar intake. But it doesn’t just end there. To prevent diabetes, you have to work towards losing extra weight, keep a close watch over your diet and increase your physical activities. Even though most of these measures don’t necessarily cause diabetes to everyone, but they do help reduce the risk. Medicines follow when you are at a higher risk for the disease. Overall, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent diabetes from taking a toll.

2. Thyroid disorders – Severe hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffused loss of hair on the scalp. Although hair regrowth is possible with treatments of the diseases, it does take several months and with no guarantee of 100% results. Sometimes, even anti-thyroid drugs can lead to hair loss. To prevent thyroid-related hair loss, you need to make sure that thyroid disorders are detected at the earliest. For this, the first step is to consult your general physician and get it diagnosed. Here are some of the signs of thyroid disorders and the necessary tests to diagnose it.

3. Alopecia Areata – An autoimmune disease, Alopecia Areata affects the immune system of the body. The immune system attacks hair follicles and this leads to hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. The disease may eventually lead to Alopecia Totalis (complete loss of hair on the scalp) or Alopecia Universalis (complete loss of hair on the body). Although there is no known cure for Alopecia Areata, it can be treated to an extent. The only way to somehow prevent or help in treating it is by including more vitamins in the diet.

4. Ringworm – Ringworm or Tinea Capitis is one of the most common reasons for kids to lose their hair. As opposed to the name, the disease has no relation whatsoever with ‘worms’. It is basically a fungal infection, which can occur on any part of the body, including the scalp. It starts with a tiny pimple on the scalp, which gradually expands and creates bald patches (temporary). The hair also becomes infected and can break off easily. The scalp can become red, itchy and inflamed with blisters that may ooze.

Because the ringworm fungus is more common in the soil and spreads through contact with infected animals, it is necessary to take care of the same. For example, if you have pets that carry this disease, then the first thing is to do is get them treated and avoid any contact with them. Cats are one of the most common carriers of this fungus. You also need to stay away from coming in close contact with a person who has this disease.

5. Lupus – The symptoms of Lupus are many, and because it often mimics the signs and symptoms of other diseases, it is also called the Great Imitator. Since there are no known ways to prevent this disease, it is difficult not to become affected by it. However, people with personal habits like smoking are more likely to get affected with Lupus. Therefore, the only possible preventive measure is to abstain from tobacco products.

6. Diseases of Pituitary Gland – The pituitary gland is located below the brain and releases eight hormones, which play an important role in proper functioning of the body. Any imbalance in these hormones lead to several pituitary disorders and the only way to prevent or to treat them is to prevent the risks, go for early diagnosis (after you get the symptoms) and start the treatment as soon as possible. Here is an elaborate list of preventive measures and treatments for the diseases of the pituitary gland.

Apart from these diseases, several chronic diseases, cancer and autoimmune diseases are known to cause hair loss. Because a lot of the diseases happen to people who are genetically predisposed to them, it is difficult to detect and take preventive measures.

Hence, we can conclude that leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and indulging in physical activities can take care of most of the diseases in general and not just the ones on this list and therefore, tackle hair loss.